1:05 p.m. UPDATE: Authorities have identified the escapee as Luis Fernando Ortiz-Rivera, who was committed to the facility for offenses of aggravated battery without a firearm and first-degree murder. Ortiz-Rivera is originally from Broward County, Marianna Police said in a release.
Ortiz-Rivera escaped the facility around 7:30 a.m. Friday morning, according to police.
At this time, it is unknown of Ortiz-Rivera’s direction of travel. Ortiz-Rivera is a Hispanic male, with a beard, 5’09” and weighs 222 pounds. The clothing description is unknown at this time. When subject was last seen he had a full beard, police said.
Police added that a search is still ongoing in the surrounding area, but are unsure if Ortiz-Rivera is still in the immediate area.
Jackson County Schools also posted an update that said:
We received a call from Jackson County Sheriff’s Office that stated that they have called off the tracking team at Sunland. He also stated that all the intelligence they have is that the escapee got a ride and is out of the area. We will stay on soft lockdown until the end of the third period then resume normal changing of classes. Outside activities will be limited. Extra law enforcement will be patrolling until dismissal this afternoon.
12: 30 p.m. UPDATE: Marianna High School and Marianna K-8 School are on a soft-lock-down Friday morning while Jackson County law enforcement officers search for a Sunland Center resident that escaped earlier in the morning.
JCSO said in a Facebook post that a male Sunland Center resident escaped Friday morning and is "potentially dangerous." Deputies warn you to not approach the man if you come into contact with him.
Jackson County School District wrote in a Facebook post that there is no immediate threat and that the soft lockdown is being done out of an abundance of caution.
In a press release from Jackson County Schools, Superintendent Steve R. Benton also added that classes are continuing as scheduled, but the outside movement of students is being limited.
Jackson County Sheriff Donald L. Edenfield has provided additional officers at each school while a search of the area is conducted, according to the district.
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC 27 for updates.
